Oscar López Rivera, Puerto Rican movement leader and former political prisoner, will discuss the history of colonialist relations and neoliberal austerity that has given rise to today’s economic and environmental crises in Puerto Rico, including the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. He will also address the long history of Puerto Rican anti colonial struggles. Lopez Rivera, a decorated Vietnam war veteran, artist, and author, exited prison in early 2017 after 35 years of incarceration. For decades, he has worked tirelessly for freedom and justice in Puerto Rico and the diaspora, and is considered the Nelson Mandela of Puerto Rico.

Community Organized by PODER Santa Barbara, Ethnic Studies Now! Santa Barbara, SBCC Student Equity Committee and Casa de la Raza. Funded by UCSB’s Center for Black Studies Research and the English department.